Tributes to dead baby as killer convicted

Mar 28 2007 By Ross McCarthy, Birmingham Mail

THE aunt of tragic tot Troy Simpson paid tribute to the "beautiful and cheerful baby" after his stepfather was convicted of his manslaughter.

Heather Mousdale, the six month old's aunt, said: "My family has been devastated by the death of baby Troy who was a beautiful and cheerful baby who brought much joy.

"The verdict can never bring Troy back but we are grateful justice has been done. My mother and sister Danielle have been through a very traumatic experience but would do it all again to bring justice for Troy."

Supt Keith Wilson commented: "We are satisfied with the outcome. This was a traumatic and tragic case involving the death of a baby boy.

"It has been very difficult and emotional for all the officers involved and we are glad the ordeal is over for the family."

Sherwain Smith was found guilty of abducting and killing his teenage girlfriend's baby by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court, but cleared of murdering the tot found dumped near his home.

Mr Justice Gibbs adjourned sentence for both pre sentence and psychiatric reports to be prepared on Smith who was remanded in custody.

He said he had experienced a number of psychotic episodes in the months leading up to the killing and that the question of his dangerousness had to be assessed.

When the jury returned their verdicts, Troy's mother Danielle Simpson left the court in tears.

The court heard that the victim was taken from his home in Uplands Road, Smethwick in the early hours by Smith in February last year and was later found dead, wrapped in a bin bag in a culvert.

Philip Parker QC prosecuting said evidence showed that Smith's DNA was found on bin bags at Troy's home and also on bags at the scene.

He also said that soil recovered from Smith's trainers had a strong similarity to soil in the area where the child was found.

Pathologists were unable to find how the baby died.

Smith, 21, previously of Arden Road, Smethwick, had denied both the charges.

He had claimed that when the alleged abduction and killing took place he had been asleep at the child's mother's home.

Danielle Simpson, formerly of the Uplands Smethwick and her mother Theresa Simpson were originally accused of conspiring to falsely report the disappearance of Troy and perverting the course of justice but the allegations were subsequently dropped.